Norwegian DJ/producer Kygo superbly remixes “Higher Love,” a previously unreleased 1991 Whitney Houston cover of a 1986 Steve Winwood cut.

“Bring me a higher love / Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?” The late, great Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) sees a previously unreleased cover of a Steve Winwood song, “Higher Love” – a bonus track in Japan only – remixed by Norwegian DJ/producer Kygo. In its original ‘cover’ form, “Higher Lover” was recorded in 1991.  So, why didn’t the cover see the light of day in the U.S.? The legendary Clive Davis told Rolling Stone, “When [producer] Narada Michael Walden sent me ‘Higher Love’ with the Whitney vocal, we didn’t want her being a cover artist at the time.” Well, better late than never hearing this classic.

The Kygo remix features some of the cues we’re accustomed to hearing from his production style/music including vocal loops, bright synths, keyboards, and an anchoring, danceable beat.  Furthermore, there are some pitch-shifted vocals, used in moderation as a cool effect. What’s great about this recording is that it sounds like classic Whitney Houston, while also sounding like what she might’ve sounded like in 2019 (she passed away at just 48 years old). Clearly, “Higher Love” showcases Houston at her peak. Her voice sounds amazing – high-flying as it did during her heyday.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Higher Love” is an energetic, upbeat, uplifting song; definitely a feel-good pop-soul record.  As aforementioned, this is vintage Whitney Houston when it comes to delivering a vocal performance with the passion and technical prowess that few could achieve. Kygo does a fantastic job with balancing old and new making the iconic singer shine.

Kygo. & Whitney Houston • Higher Love [Single] • RCA • Release: 6.28.19

Photo Credit: RCA